PRESENTED BY Books in this Department can be used b} 7 members for reference, but arc not to be taken from the building without the per- mission of the Librarian, or of the Curator of the Department. Published by S. Litchfield. 28 & 30, HANWAY STREET, OXFORD STREET, W. And at 19, GREEN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE, W.C. 7 3#fr L-77-i p RE F A CE. IHE present work, I have no hesitation in saying, will be found to stand alone, and unless much pain and labour have been wasted, it will be found I trust, to fulfil something more than the purposes of a trade catalogue — above and beyond a mere advertisement — convey some information and interesting facts connected with the Ceramic Art in general, and particularly respecting that branch with which I have been for the last thirty-five years most intimately connected — the justly far-famed Dresden Porcelain. The mode in which Fine Art dealers have habitually acquired their Stock — by purchasing at auctions by various miscellaneous means peculiar to such a business — has prevented anything like a- fair and just tariff ever having been attained. " To buy cheap, and sell dear," might have been the motto of many a scrupulously honest dealer, while to those not burdened with conscience, this business has been a field in which largely to indulge a remunerative exaggeration, which only too Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/dresdengalleryOOHtc [ 3 J often has deserved a more ugly term. To pubiish a Price List of Articles de Vertu has therefore been impossible, and doubtless with many purchasers, the knowledge of the fact that the^ objects of their admiration had a regular market value and were not absolutely unique, would have deterred them from collecting. The extraordinary concession, however, which by Royal favour has been especially granted to our House, eliminates this disadvantage, while conferring numerous and manifold opportunities on the amateur. The models illustrated will be found to include many of the finest specimens of model- ling and colouring that the Meissen works have ever produced. The figures selected are mostly those of Joachim Kandler — undoubtedly the greatest modeller the Ceramic world has ever known ; and the vases and other specimens have been selected with much thought, and it might not be invidious to add, after more than thirty-five years' business experience, with a matured judgment. The Prices also will be found, it is hoped, an inducement never hitherto offered to those who with refined and elevated tastes lack the purse of a Fortunatus to gratify them, and in calling attention to the Terms enumerated on page 10, I think it will be readily acknowledged that they are liberal and advantageous. [ 4 ] THE ROYAL SAXONY MEISSEN PORCELAIN WORKS. |HE credit of what may be justly termed the second invention of the manufacture of Hard Porcelain belongs undoubtedly to Dresden. It is true that the Portuguese merchants had as early as the sixteenth century introduced Chinese porcelain very generally into Europe, but the mode of its production was perfectly secret, and was only discovered by a chemist's assistant named John Bottcher, at Dresden, in 1706, after many and futile experiments. The earlier specimens — now very rare, and called after their producer — were of a dark red colour, something like jasper, and were only ornamented by the gilders or silversmiths of that time. Later on, however, a fine white earth was discovered, out of which the first really fine Porcelain was manufactured. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, who has been termed the " King of China Maniacs," took the greatest personal interest in this novel art, and to this Royal support we are indebted for many of the finest old specimens that now adorn the Gallery at Dresden. It is an historical fact that he pre- sented William I., of Russia, with a regiment of dragoons, completely equipped, in return for twenty- 0/ the Royal Dresden Porcelain Manufactory, Meissen, Saxony [ s ] two enormous vases, still to be seen in the Royal Collection at Dresden. Bottcher, the first director, died at the early age of thirty-seven, his death, Marryat tells us, being accelerated by intemperate living, and he was succeeded in office by Horoldt, in 1722, who introduced into the manufactory the intricate gilded borders and medallions, a la Chinese, by which that period is known. Horoldt's time is also distinguished by the swords (the mark of fabric) being smaller, and connected by the handles. In 1731, Kandler, whose name will live as long as there is such a thing as fame, superintended the modelling, and introduced wreaths, bouquets of flowers, chandeliers, vases, and animals. In an article on Dresden China, dated May 6th, 1876, The Queen newspaper says : — "A wonderful skill Kandler dis- played in his Watteau figures. Cupid appears in at least a dozen different disguises (see Plate VII. , Nos. 12, 13, 14), as a soldier with a pistol, as a pilgrim, as a Pole, &c. ; his shepherds, his gardeners, and courtiers, are charming (see Plate X., No. 22), and the heads of his monkey musicians (see Plate I., No. 1), are said to be caricatured likenesses of the Court orchestra." In none of his productions, how- •ever, was shown so keen a sense of humour as in those two interesting specimens — " Count Bri'ihl's Tailor and Wife," (see Plate II., No. 2). We quote the anecdote from Marryat's " Pottery and Porce- lain" : — " Count Briihl, the profligate minister of Augustus III., whose splendid palace and terrace are the great ornaments of Dresden, was importuned by his tailor to be allowed to see the manufactory, [ 6 ] admission to which was strictly prohibited. At length he consented, and the tailor upon his entrance was presented with the two last new pieces made, which were, one a grotesque figure — a portrait of himself, mounted upon a he-goat, with the shears and all the other implements of his trade (Plate II., No. 2), — and the other, his wife upon a she-goat (Plate II., No. 2), with a baby in swaddling clothes. The poor tailor was so annoyed with these caricatures that he turned back without desiring to see more. These pieces, known as Count BruhPs Tailor and Wife, are now much sought after from their historical interest." In commenting upon the different articles manufactured at Meissen, Marryat says, "The candelabra of this porcelain have never been equalled by any others. The taste displayed in the elegance of form in the figures and the ornamentation generally is unrivalled." " The Dresden flowers, the ' Lace ' figures, and the Honeycomb and Mayflower vases are all of great beauty, and show the skill of the artists employed." These quotations, from an author who spent no inconsiderable part of his time and fortune in the study and collection of specimens of the Ceramic art, do justice to a manufactory Avhich from ignorance has lately suffered from many a connoisseur' 's prejudice. Spurious wares, bearing a mark (the crossed swords), have been largely sold for genuine Dresden — partly through ignorance, and partly with bad intent, of many who have embarked in the Fine Art trade. In many cases within the writer's personal experience, where a piece of genuine modern Dresden has BR //7 1 ' ' I ( T / I DV. fa fa S XI /f5 NASI, / fa SAMUEL LIT CH [ 7 ] been sold, it has been represented and sold for a fine old specimen, as distinguished from the modern " Dresden," the term applied to the Fontainbleau, Hamburg, or Paris imitations. The Dresden manufactory is conducted on a large and liberal scale ; its officers and workmen evince the greatest interest in their work, as those who have visited the factory will have remarked. It has its own Schools of Art, under Government protection, where students are trained for the work — and it is onh/due to the present directors, M. Raithel, and his lieutenant, M. Jahnichen, to add that the fame of their manufactory should never wane while the amour propre and esprit with which they animate their subordinates exist in the full vigour of the present time, and I have the greatest pleasure in testifying publicly, as I have often privately, to the many kindnesses and courtesies I have received from them in a business connection of over thirty years with the manufactory, and especially when the introduction of special models, or the carrying out of intricate designs entrusted to me, have called for their particular interest and zeal. SAMUEL LITCHFIELD. t 8 ] CABINET SPECIMENS FOR CONNOISSEURS. Collectors of the old marks and monograms — as specimens of the extinct manufactories, and also of the earlier productions of Dresden, Sevres, Berlin, and other fabrics — will find a very large and interesting collection in three Show Rooms set apart for their arrangement. Of course it will be readily understood a personal selection of each piece is necessary, as no illustrations, however faithful, could sufficiently represent the special peculiarities of " paste," colour, and other details that render them desirable. To meet the wishes, however, of customers at a distance, who may be unable to favour us with a visit, a small selection of the different marks will be sent " risk free," upon appli- cation, enclosing banker's reference. A list of the principal factories, together with a carefully prepared diagram of the marks and monograms by which they are distinguished, will be of interest to many readers ; and with very few exceptions, one or more specimens are generally for disposal at moderate prices : — Adam's Ware. Agate Ware. 32 Amstel (near Amsterdam). 20 Angouleme. 12 Arras. 46 Anspach. 39 Baden. 25 Eassano (Le Nove). Bentley Ware. 34 Berlin. Bottcher Ware (early Dresden). 17 Bourg la Reine. 8 Bow. Breitenbach. 54 Bristol. 28 Brussels. 24 Buen Retire 26 Capo di Monte. 13 Chantilly. 3 Chelsea. 19 Clignancourt. 1 Coalbrook Dale. 37 Copenhagen. Delft. 6 Derby (Crown & Bloor periods). 22 Deccia (La). [King periods). 41 Dresden (Marcolini, Horoldt, and The Numbers prefixed are for reference to Diagram c Those with an Asterisk (•) are found in Gold, [ 9 ] 10 Etiolles. Eggshell. Faience. Fontainbleau. 43 Frankenthal. 49 Fulda. Fulham. 44 Fiirstenberg. 35 Gera. Ginori. 40 Gotha. 45 Grosbreitenbach. 30 Hague. Japan. 47 Kloster Veilsdorf. 53 Kronenberg. Leeds (Pottery). 25 Le Nove. 31 Lille. 48 Limbach. 53 Ludwigsburg. Majolica. 33 Mayence (Hochst). 11 Menecy. Nankin. S Nantgarw. 14 Nast. 26 Naples. 42 Nymphenberg. 18 Orleans. 2 Plymouth. Rouen (Faience). 38 Rudolsdadt. 16 St. Cloud. 36 Schlaggenwald. 15 Seaux-Penthievre. 21 Sevres. Spode. 50 Strasburg. 9 Swansea. 29 Tournay. Turner Ware. 23 Turin or Vineuf. Treviso. Urbino. 47 Veilsdorf. 27 Venice. 52 Vienna. Wallendorf. 7 Wedgwood. 4 Worcester. 51 Zurich. f Marks. The Marks printed in Black represent those which are impressed in the paste, as well as in Blue or Red ; a Gold Mark is generally the sign of highest quality. [ io ] BUSINESS TERMS. By a special arrangement with the Railway Company, we are enabled to send all fragile Goods to any part of Great Britain or Ireland RISK FREE; and should any article become damaged in transit, a full allowance will be made, or a perfect specimen sent, carriage free — provided that notice of such damage be given within three clear days. All China will be packed Gratis, and this will be found a more solid advantage than Discount, which, as our Prices are calculated at fair and reasonable profits only, cannot be allowed. Where selections of articles for choice of presents are sent, however, and the customer elects to keep all sent, instead of choosing only one specimen — thereby saving the expense and risk of carriage of returns — a special Discount will be quoted. The promoters of Fancy Bazaars for charitable objects are requested to notice the advantage of this arrangement. Every 'article will be fully invoiced, and guaranteed to be exactly as described; and as only genuine and worthy Goods are sold, any articles which may have been sold and paid for will be readily exchanged, if desired, for other Goods of same value — a slight per centage being charged for the trouble of re-entering and extra book-keeping. All articles are marked in plain figures. It is particularly requested that where Orders are not prepaid, reference to a Banker may be given. [ II ] RESTORATIONS OF OLD CHINA. For the convenience of our patrons we undertake the restoration and repair of all China or Glass, however much broken, and assume full responsibility however valuable the articles may be. New heads, arms, hands, legs, and feet are modelled, or carved in ivory, and tinted and glazed to match the original colours ; and did our space permit, we could publish testimonials innumerable from customers absolutely astonished at the cleverness of our restorations. Lord Londesborough, 38, Berkeley Square. — " The Chelsea figures are wonderfully restored ; I had no idea new heads could be supplied." Sir Richard Glyn, Bart., Leweston, Sherbourne, Dorset. — "The repairs are wonderful." Mrs. Henry Astell, Ichwell House, Biggleswade. — "All the repairs arrived safely, and I am very much obliged for the care and trouble bestowed." Mrs. Bowker, Cross-in-Hand, Hurst Green. — " The repairs have come safely, thanks to good packing, and give great satisfaction." Major Fitzgerald, 9, Eaton Place South. — " Major Fitzgerald is much pleased with the way the hand of the figure has been modelled." Mrs. Cholmondeley, Adlestrop Rectory, Chipping Norton. — "I am very much pleased with the way you have succeeded in repairing my Vienna dish." Mrs. Wormald, Banwell Castle, Weston-super-Mare. — " I am much obliged for the pains taken in repairing my old China. I really cannot tell where it was broken. Mrs. Weston Fullerton, Southern Hay, Bournemouth. — " I am quite astonished at the appearance of the blue bowl ; it is quite a marvel of repairing." — Jackson, Esq., Inverness Terrace, Bayswater. — " You have repaired the Vase wonderfully. I did not believe the re-enamelling was possible." No. i.— Dresden MONKEY ORCHESTRA. The illustration only shews 6 figures with Bandmaster. The complete sets consists of 18 figures besides the Bandmaster. These figures are specially alluded to by Marryat (see page 5), and form a grotesque and highly effective group. They may be very successfully mounted on little brackets attached to a velvet shield, for wall decoration, for which special designs may be had on application. Height of figures, 6 inches ; Bandmaster, 6^ inches. Price, 10s. 6d.; Band- master, I2s. (id. No. 2.— Count BriihPs "Tailor and Wife. Height, 8^ inches. Price, £y Js. the pair. The legend of these interesting Figures is quoted verbatim on page 5. The modelling and colouring are exquisite. No. 3.— Dresden BONBONNIERE, with flower wreaths beautifully executed in high relief, coloured au natural on white ground, handles and edges gilt. Height, 4^ inches. Price, 25^. A variety of other Models in Stock. Plate 2 No. 4.— Pair of CANDELABRA, for two lights each. Figures, with birds'-nests. Height, 9 inches. Price, £5 $s. the pair. No. 5— MIRROR, with Cupids and Forget-me-nots, in relief, mounted with best French plates and ebonized backs, and stretchers. May be also advantageously arranged on velvet shields, and surrounded with small figures for wall decoration. In three sizes : — (a). — Height, 22 inches — diameter, 17 inches. Price, £j. {b). — Height, 1 4 % inches — diameter, 10 inches. Price, £4. p. (c). — Height, 9 }4 inches — diameter, 7 inches. Price, £2 3s. Special designs and estimates for mounting. A variety of other Models in Stock. Plate 3 No. 6. — Fine Dresden CLOCK, " Cupid and doves." Cupid is re- presented as counting on his fingers, and every detail is most carefully finished. Best Paris movement. Height, 13 inches. Price, £l2 12s. Square-sided Glass SHADE, and Silk velvet covered double gilt Stand and Chenille. Price, 30.?. No. 7— Pair of Dresden CANDELABRA, for three lights each. The figures are Kandler's celebrated " Shepherds." The branches are moveable, and the lower parts are furnished with nozzles, so as to be used, if desired, as a pair of single candlesticks. Height, 16 inches. Price, £10 the pair. A variety of other Models in Stock. Plate A. No. 8.— Pair of Fine Dresden CANDELABRA. Four Lights each. Cupids at base, representing " The Seasons," with Flowers in relief. 19^ inches high. Price, £\2 12s. per Pair. No. 9.— CLOCK en suite. Best Paris Movement. Price, /18 I&f. A variety of other Models in Stock. No. 10.— Dresden GROUP, "The Music Lesson." Five small figures. Height, 6^ inches. Price, £3 10s. Glass SHADE and Stand, complete. Price, 8*. 6d. No. 11.— Dresden Reclining FIGURES, with Fruit or Sweetmeat corbeilles. In two sizes. Height, 7 inches; length, 12 inches. Price, £6 10s. the pair. Height, 5 inches; length, 6 inches. Price, £\ the pair. A variety of other Models in Slock. Plate 6 No. 12. — Small Cupid FIGURES. Height, y/ 2 and 3 inches. Price, 10s. These figures are most interesting and pleasing — " Cupid in various disguises " — see extract from The Queen newspaper, page 4. If a set be required for mount- ing on brackets, or any other purpose, a suitable assortment of different costumes will be sent. The harlequin and columbine are specially characteristic. No. 13. — Berlin China FIGURES. These figures are in sets of twelve, representing the months of the year, or may- be ordered singly. Height, 4 inches. Price, 8^. No. 14. — Berlin China CUPIDS, similar to No. 12, but not so fine in quality of paste or detail. Height, 3 inches. Price, 4.?. each. No. 15. — Dresden " Watteau " URNS. Height, 3 inches. Price, IO-y. the pair. These pretty little vases are of fine form and good decoration, and'very suitable for small cabinets. A variety of other Models in Stock. 'Plate 7 ' /f/ /// // / / 7 / // ■/// / t // / 28fcSO. t Z/ /•• /' // U U - ///rr/, W. No. 1 6. — Pair of VASES and Covers, beautifully decorated with wreaths of Forget-me-nots on white ground. The Covers are perforated, and surmounted by a canary on a twig. Height, S}4 inches. Price, £§ 10s. the pair. No. 17. — Pai^ of Flacon shape VASES, similar decorations. Height, 11 inches. Price, £t> l$s. the pair. No. 18.— TEA POT, similar decoration. Height, inches. Price, 35*. CUPS and SAUCERS en mite, 12s. 6 %xi Ijtttal Mark, fox fojifjj t\z ggeJmls torn JtaM. DESIGNS FORWARDED ON APPLICATION. A Selection of Seals and Signet Rings in Stock. Crystals engraved for Bridesmaids' 1 Lockets, Scarf Pins, &°c. MONOGRAMS DESIGNED & ENGRAVED IN THE MOST ELEGANT STYLE FOR ALL PURPOSES. ARMS AND CRESTS PAINTED BY EXPERIENCED HERALDIC ARTISTS. PEDIGREES TRACED AND FAMILY HISTORIES COMPILED. Stamps for Marking Linen, Books, &e. SUPERIOR QUALITIES OF \m PAPER ENVELOPES. STAMPING k\D ILLUMINATING. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE FORWARDED ON APPLICATION. Illustrated Catalogue Gratis & Post- Free. DICK RADCLYFFE & CO., f.r.h.s., Seedsmen and Horticultural Decorators. WINDOW GARDENING.— BOXES AND CASES, AND EVERY REQUISITE. CONSERVATORT DECORATIONS. SEEDS. BULBS. PLANTS. FERNS. Every Garden Requisite. Landscape Gardening. GREENHOUSES & CONSERVATORIES. HEATING APPARATUS. ESTIMATES AND DESIGNS PREPARED. DICK RADCLYFFE I CO., f.r.h.s. 128 & 129, HIGH HOLBORN. E. MATTHEWS AND SONS, STEAM PRINTERS AND LITHOGRAPHERS, 377, OXFORD STREET, AND 54, BERWICK STREET, LONDON, W.